Piper CEO Kevin J. Gould resigned suddenly July 20 and was replaced, on an interim basis, by Geoffrey Berger of the parent company, the Imprimis investment fund backed by the government of Brunei.
Geoffrey Berger, managing director of Imprimis' Brunei operations, took over “effective immediately,” the company said in a statement.
Piper has launched a “global search” for an executive to lead the company.
Gould joined Piper in 2005 as vice president of operations and overhauled the company's manufacturing operations. He was promoted to CEO in June 2009 and led the transition of ownership from the prior private equity firm to Imprimis.
The chairman of Piper's Board of Directors and Managing Partner of Imprimis, Stephen W. Berger, heaped praise on Gould as he departed, saying in a statement, “Kevin's leadership, first as vice president of operations, then as CEO, served Piper well over the past five years. His tenure at Piper has been marked by a dedication to enhance the owner and pilot experience, his contributions to manufacturing and production excellence, and his overall leadership development—all of which will serve Piper for many years to come.”
Gould issued a statement noting that Piper is counting heavily on the PiperJet, and on growth in the Asia-Pacific market.
“I am proud of improving Piper's production operations, building a top notch leadership team, and getting the PiperJet program on a fast track. Piper's next phase of growth will come from intense development of international markets—especially in Asia-Pacific. It is with a great deal of pride that I leave my friends and colleagues in the Piper family, dealers, customers, and investors. I am very optimistic about Piper's future in the world's aviation industry.”
